Postural relief of dyspnoea is associated with improved neuromechanical coupling in patients with advanced COPD

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often report that adopting a specific body posture improves their dyspnoea. Exploring the underlying mechanisms could enhance our understanding of the origin of this symptom and approaches towards its alleviation. METHODS: =36±16% predicted; residual volume/total lung capacity: 55±11%) while adopting their most favourable (MF) and least favourable (LF) postures. RESULTS: " dyspnoea qualifier when assuming the MF posture correlated with corresponding improvements in neuromechanical (r=0.62, p=0.01) and neuroventilatory uncoupling (r=0.57, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals should evaluate the benefits of positional therapy for reducing dyspnoea in patients with COPD. Incorporating postural interventions into rehabilitation or using them at night may help lessen symptoms and improve quality of life.